Russell Morgan 
Monday night proved a perfect end to a fun NHL season (not so much for the LA Kings but you get it). Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and Oilers had everything and nothing going on at the same time. It was utter chaos. Fantastic hockey.
As the puck hit the ice, you sensed the Cats were determined not to endure historic embarrassment. And they did just that, beating Edmonton 2-1 to win their franchise’s first Stanley Cup. Congratulations.
The Draft
But now the calendar quickly turns to the fun part of the offseason. The NHL Entry Draft begins Friday in Las Vegas. And the LA Kings are scheduled to select in the first round for the first time since 2021 with pick 21.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kings general manager Rob Blake moves the pick to accumulate more draft capital.
“My goal going into this draft, in a vacuum, would be to find a way to get a second-round pick and a third-round pick,” said Kings’ Director of Scouting Mark Yannetti in an appearance on the All The Kings Men Podcast with Jesse Cohen and Zach Dooley.
There’s talk about this draft being quite open after the tenth selection with a scout telling me picks 25-35 can be the same player. Kings have expressed interest in players projected to be taken in the second round, including Swedish defenseman Gabriel Eliasson. But Rob Blake enters the weekend festivities without a second, third, or fifth-round pick. Look for him to fill those voids.
Free Agency
Once the weekend concludes then comes Free Agency starting Monday at 9 am PT. And that’s where Blake intends to be the most active.
On Tuesday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman connected the LA Kings to winger Jake Guentzel, in a manner reminiscent of how he started the Dubois rumors last year.
Hearing that is surprising when considering the Kings’ cap situation and the contract Guentzel is expected to receive. Finishing with 30 goals and 47 assists in 67 games this season for Pittsburgh and Carolina, the forward should command around $9 million per year.
LA has the cap space to work with, but making it happen would require some magic from Blake. There’s also a Quinton Byfield extension to consider. But can you imagine a line of Fiala-Byfield-Guentzel? That would be special.
Guentzel isn’t the only free agent name I expect Rob Blake to target. The word I’m getting is LA’s in the market for “gritty, veteran players” with a source mentioning Max Domi as a name the Kings are keeping tabs on.
With three center spots locked up for Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault, and Quinton Byfield, do the Kings bring back current restricted free agent Blake Lizotte? Or do they bring in a piece from the outside? Domi would fit nicely with that need for physicality in the bottom six of the LA lineup.
These next few days are extremely important for Rob Blake to save his tenure as the LA Kings GM. After surprisingly offloading PL Dubois’ contract, he has a chance to continue building fanbase confidence with a strong draft and active free agency period.
They should sign Lizzo A.S.A.P look what that young man brings to the ice night after night. It would be hard to find anyone with his tenacity and go get um attitude in the league, yo know I’m right,SIGN HIM and give the guy a raise it’s well deserved…